59 killed and injured in eastern Nuristan province

According to local security authorities in eastern Nuristan province, an extensive operation has been launched and is in progress by Afghan security forces in this province.

The officials further added, the operation was launched in Kamdish district of eastern Nuristan province last Wednesday to clear the area from the presence of Taliban militants.

Mohammad Zarin Head of the provincial governor media office said, around 400 Afghan security forces including Afghan police, Afghan army and Afghan commandos have participated in the operation and are also being supported by NATO air force.

Mr. Zarin further added, at least 5 villages have been cleared from the presence of Taliban militants so far and this is the first major operation launched by Afghan security forces in this district.

According to Mohammad Zarin at least 29 Taliban militants have been killed and 30 others have been injured during the military operations so far.

He also said, at least 1 Afghan army soldier was killed and 3 Afghan police forces were injured during the operations who were taken to capital Kabul for treatment purposes.

At least 1 Afghan woman was killed and another was injured during the operations, Mohammad Zarin said.

In the meantime a spokesman for the Taliban group Zabiullah Mujahid claimed at least 30 Afghan and NATO troops were killed and injured by their fighters.

Zabiullah Mujahid said, at least 8 Taliban militants and 8 local civilians were killed during the clashes.

This comes as local officials recently reported several militants including foreign insurgents have doubled their presence in this province.